From state employees losing work hours, to elimination of school funds, and possible layoffs... many solutions have been discussed to close the state budget gap, and some could result in big changes for Lincoln.

Lincoln State Senator Colby Coash says if the Legislature decides on state employee furloughs or adjustments, a large number of Lincoln workers could be affected.

"Between the university and the State Capitol, and the state office building and HHS, and the teachers, Lincoln has a lot of employees that make their livelihood off their services to the citizens. So we have to look as Lincoln senators, how will that affect the jobs that we represent," said Coash.

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler says aside from state employee changes, some smaller cuts in the Governor's proposal could also add up.

"We know that in our state aid programs we'll lose in the area of $50 thousand this year, and $100 thousand next year. And then, in addition, there's some 911 money that we were hoping could be used for capital improvements in Lincoln, and if that money's taken there will be several hundred thousand dollars more that will be lost," Beutler said.

And how far will those losses trickle down? Small Business Owner Adam Hintz says he's worried cuts will directly affect his customers at Meadowlark Coffee and Espresso.

"I'm afraid of what the budget cuts will do to the employees of the state, and then how the employees of the state will change their purchasing habits. It might make the recession a little bit worse for us small businesses," Hintz said.

Some relief could come early next year, though, as Mayor Beutler says he plans to actually ask the Legislature for some money he says the city is owed.

"Last year, they failed to correct a mistake they made in the highway allocation funds that cost Lincoln $700,000 last year, and in all fairness they need to correct that mistake.

More Lincoln residents and business owners will be able to voice their opinions in the public hearings that begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon in the Capitol.

To hear more from Senator Coash, just click on the video links above.